We all saw how KTM India swallowed a big chunk of the premium motorcycle market in India when it launched the Ktm Duke 390 in 2013. Not only did it rest it's case there, KTM India went on to make major upgrades on its 2014, 2015 and 2016 models which actually did make a hell lot of difference. The 2017 model of the KTM Duke 390 though not only seems like it's upgraded, it is altogether a whole new motorcycle! Of course, like most junior motorcycles that are inspired by its liter class daddies, the new Duke 390's look is extremely identical to the KTM 1290 super Duke. But the heart of the motorcycle, ABS equipped brakes, Trellis frame and tyre size remain the same. In terms of pricing, if this mean is launched in India, it is expected to be priced ex-showroom between 2,10,000 and 2,30,000 INR. What I'm looking forward to though, is this:
1) The Street Fighter look:
I never found the existing model of the Duke 390 aggressive in way it appears. It definitely looks like a street motorcycle but it certainly doesn't have the poise of a street fighter. The 2017 model though looks just the opposite. It looks slimmer, more aggressive and mean. The motorcycle's headlamp too slopes down at an angle that makes it seem like its got a sharp nose. Looking at the performance it already offers and the add ons that it could get, I've got no doubt that this would be a pocket mean street fighter in every way possible! 2) Electronics:
The latest images of the 2017 390 reveal a totally new instrument cluster and up-down toggle switches on the handlebar to select different riding modes. In reality, though, if this motorcycle is launched with riding modes that help you choose the kind of power output you prefer to have depending on the kind of riding conditions, then the new duke would be safer than the existing model which according to me is the safest sub 500 cc motorcycle you can buy anywhere in the world under 2.5 Lakhs!There's also news out there that the user interface on the new console is rider friendly and comes with an option to connect your phone to it so if you used your phone for GPS navigation, you would be able to view the map the instrument cluster rather mounting your phone separately on the handle bar.
This stuff makes me really excited but hey, I'm gonna unleash all that jizz only when KTM officially confirms these fantasies! :)
3) Ride by Wire and a second Balancer Shaft:
The ride by wire feature would make the 390's throttle response sharper than it actually is! When I first rode the existing model, I was pretty much turned on by its acceleration but I can't dare to imagine the way in which the ride by wire system would let loose all that power.The existing model has a Counter balancer shaft which does a decent job of cancelling out vibrations. The 2017 model has a second such balancer shaft that would make the ride much smoother and most probably, more refined! So with these two upgrades, you'll have better, smoother and a meaner throttle response! There are rumors of the upgraded 373 cc engine churning out more power but let us leave that to time to reveal exact figures.
4) Side- mounted exhaust:
The spy images of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 sport a side- mounted exhaust which is again very different from the existing 390's underbelly exhaust. This could add a bit of weight but it does add to the motorcycle's street fighter look! Personally, I like underbelly and side mounted exhausts but what's more important is the way the exhausts blend with the overall looks of the motorcycle. From the spy shots, I'd say it looks pretty sexy! 5) The split LED headlight:
The new headlight avatar gives the new Duke 390 an alien, cold, mean look unlike the existing version. Since it is LED based, the power consumption would be lower (which was a point of concern in the previous models) and the headlight would be much brighter. Personally, I've been using LED lights on motorcycles and I can only say that LED's are the way forward! Considering the above points, which I believe are only a few of the amazing things the 2017 KTM Duke 390 has to offer, this motorcycle would definitely raise the bar ten times higher than it already had earlier, making it pretty challenging for the other competitors to keep up. Let's see what else is up for grabs this November at the EICMA motorcycle show. This upcoming motorcycle would also be Euro 4 compliant. Speaking of Euro, I wish KTM doesn't plan on just exporting this motorcycle to other countries but actually considers selling it here, in India. What do you have to say about the 2017 KTM Duke 390?
By: Ssaajan Manoj Jogia
